Setting up user preferences
I Can give you some tips, you can change all inputs you need in Blender, in the Blender User Preferences Panel:


As you can see, I highlight a input I mapped to  my own workflow, the Edge Loop Selection to the input Alt+Select Mouse. Each input have advanced properties you can set, as well a combination of inputs to execute it.


Here I show you a default shortcut for a great deal of tools for Blender 2.73, although mostly of the shortcuts stay the same.



So, while yes, you can change and map each input to your liking, it's not advised to do so, Blender it's a different software than Modo, Maya, 3DsMax, so I recommend you to use Blender the way it is, you will get used to it just like you are confortable working in your favorite softwares.

For your to change Y axis to Z, here's a relatable question: Is it possible to make Blender a Y-up world?